February 17, 2015
Dear Agerholm Shipmates,
In October 1970, approximately 340 of us experienced Typhoon Joan on the USS Agerholm (DD-826) when the ship attempted to steam to Hong Kong for a week long port visit. Looking back, with much more experience than I had at that time, it is clear to me that all of us were saved by our CO’s excellent ship handling and divine intervention. Last October with Pete Bulkeley’s assistance I located Commander Frank Taylor who is living with his wife in Point Loma near the San Diego harbor. Frank was just going into the hospital for heart bypass surgery then. He told me during a follow-up call last month that he is sore but recovering.
I would like you to know that I am planning to drive down to San Diego sometime over the next few weeks and present Commander Taylor with a thank you for saving our lives. Attached are two pictures of the acrylic award. Mounted to the left of the engraving is a USN life vest light which I had saved from one of my ships.
Please feel free to pass this along to other shipmates who were on board with us during Typhoon Joan.
Jim Mottern (Ltjg 1970-71)
I was there. lol